tennis volley and overhead?

Question

i was wondering if there's anything to help my volleying and overheads

my volleys are ok, but im not so good at placing them
my overheads are a different story. im 6'4, but i always miss my overheads...always swing too early, and end up missing, then turning around quickly and hitting the ball...it's really annoying and i was wondering if there is anything to make these 2 better

i play doubles 1 on my jv team, so these two are very important to me

Answer 1

First overhead, since you're 6'4" you should find your hitting zone (height) when practicing overheads. It's easier when you point at the ball as the ball goes up then down. doing this will help yo keep your eyes on the ball. If the ball is hit high in the air, let the ball bounce then step under it then hit through the ball. This will be similarto hitting a serve, so also practice or snapping your wrist upon impact which will bring the ball down into the court.

volley - start by simplifing your volley stroke by keeping the racket in front of your body, turn to the side the ball is hit to step to the ball, squeeze on the grip, then punch forward with your hand/racket.
Two positons dictate the direction of volleys.
1. The postion of your body. If you turn to the side where the ball is coming then your body is already perpendicular to the net.
2. The racket position. By stepping into the ball, squeezing the grip and punching forward you will be surprised with the firmness of the volleys.
When you get comfortable with this then practice to get a soft wrist (better known as gaining touch on volleys). Through practice your volleys will improve.

Try watching someone you feel is a good player closely. You will notice he/she is doing all of the above.

It would also be a very good idea to invest in lessons. You will find it easier nhaving an instructor show you all of the above is easier than reading it online.

On both overhead and volleys good footwork is important than on the serve, forhand or backhand because the time to react to ball is shortened due to the fact the ball is only traveling half the length of the court.

Good luck!

Answer 2

The timing on overheads is always tough. The ball is usually dropping from a good height, so it has time to accelerate.

The best thing to do is have someone feed you many overheads, every day. There's just no substitution when trying to get your timing down. No magic tip or formula to it.

On volleys try to close to the net. Closer you get, less errors you will make. There should be little to no backswing on either side. During the points, keep your racquet at the volley ready position and think like the ball is going to come your way every time someone hits it.

Split step at the exact moment your opponent(s) strikes the ball. This means a small hop, feet shoulder length apart, and weight moving forward. Stay on your toes, and once again, assume every ball is coming your way.

The accuracy on the volleys will come with practice. Keep yourself balanced, keep the racquet out in front, and use short punching motions like you're high fiving someone. Less backswing you use, the better your volleys will be.

Answer 3

well, make sure that you use a continental grip on both volleys and forehands. do not swing on a volley, keep wrist firm.
simply punch the ball, if it is still going wrong, just block it.
if the ball is dipping down to near your feet, move forward, and meet it higher and earlier.

for overheads. start with your racquet behind your back, like a beginner's serve. point at the ball as you see it coming down towards you, then watch the ball the whole way onto your racquet, keeping your head up and still. do not try to hit it deep in the court, hit it short and hard, thus bouncing it over your opponent's head.

Answer 4

My guess is that on your overhead is that you are letting the ball drop to much and then end up hitting up on it so that it goes out or you shank it a bit. On your volleys just keep making contact as early as possible and use your opponents pace. Your goal should be placement which you seem to be doing .

Answer 5

well there is a simple answer to this, whenever you want to swing on your overheads, wait a second and swing later. It works for me. I love playing indoors because i can judge the ball against the ceiling and i can tell where it is, but outside i just kind of have to guess. and with volleys it helps to work with drills that give you soft hands that help you with placing your volleys. Have your partner hit really hard ball at you and practice hitting them back where you want them to be hit.

Answer 6

For the volleys, its all about the facing of the raquet strings. Depending on which way they face, the ball will go to different places.
For overheads, always keep your eye on the ball and keep your head up. Think of it as a serve.

Answer 7

Just start practicing on the position your hand is one the raquet! then just react slowly and cautiously at first. try pointing with your finger so you know where the ball is so you can have better aim and timing. This is what my coach says.
I hope this helps!
^_^V